Modern Motorcycle Technology by Massimo Clarke
Some people don't care how a motorcycle works, as long as it does work. They just want to get on, push the starter button, and go.
Then there are those who are interested in why it goes, what makes those wheels turn, how gasoline translates into miles traveled. For this latter group, Massimo Clarke's recently released Modern Motorcycle Technology: How Every Part of Your Motorcycle Works can answer a lot of questions--if they're the right questions.
If you're a total novice, Modern Motorcycle Technology walks you through the workings of the internal combustion (IC) engine, with probably too much detail. On the other hand, if you already know how an IC engine works, this book can broaden your understanding and clarify some fine points. In this way it addresses two audiences in much the way a dual-sport motorcycle does: It covers each adequately but does neither as well as a single-purpose approach would do.
The book allots nearly three-quarters of its pages to the topic of the engine and its related systems, broken into the engine and mechanical parts, plus fuel delivery, combustion, and exhaust. Having a solid basic understanding understanding of the IC engine, I found this focus excessive. Someone else might well find it fascinating.
I will say that I found the discussion of two-stroke engines enlightening. I guess I had never understood the very different way in which two-strokes function vis a vis four-stroke function. And I also came away from the discussion of gasoline octane and knocking with a better comprehension than I've ever had before.
Answers to questions
Having worked my way through these sections, I approached the sections on the transmission, the frame, suspension, brakes, wheels and tires with anticipation. I've had a variety of questions about the functioning of these parts for a long time. For instance, I have read numerous times about how adjustments to a bike's suspension, as well as air pressure in the tires, can have significant effects on the ride. What I don't understand is what those effects are and why. To my disappointment, this book did not provide those answers.
The same with its discussion of carburetors. I've heard of butterfly valves and reed valves, and I know what a butterfly valve is but I have no idea what a reed valve is or how it works. The author discusses the two, but I came away from reading with no better concept of a reed valve than I'd started with.
In fairness to the book, this may have to do with the different ways in which different people learn. Some people can read a book and look at illustrations and come away with clear understanding. Others need to have the object in question in hand, to look at and feel and examine. I have no doubt that if I'd been in a classroom where I could see and study the object while an instructor demonstrated the function that I would understand completely.
The same could be said for the functioning of the clutch. I've seen the exploded views of those plates and everything, but I still don't understand how the thing works. So maybe I'm not the best target audience for this book.
Summation
On the whole then, there is really a great deal of information packed into this small book. If you're not already an accomplished mechanic I have no doubt you'll come away from reading it having learned any number of things. The key is, you'd better be interested in these sorts of thing.
My wife knows almost nothing about the topics covered here, and she asked if it would be a book she would want to read. I honestly doubt that she cares enough about it all to push herself to read it cover to cover. On the other hand, if she's just curious about how ignition of the fuel drives the pistons, and how the crankshaft converts that power, then she might well benefit from reading just that portion. This is not a novel, you don't have to read it cover to cover as I did.
For more info:
Name: Modern Motorcycle Technology: How Every Part of Your Motorcycle Works
Author: Massimo Clarke
Publisher: Motorbooks, an imprint of MBI Publishing Co.
Price: $24.99 US; $31.99 Canada
ISBN: 978-0-7603-3819-3
Comments
Good to know - I'll tell Snoopy about this.
I tend to use these types of books as reference books. I would imagine it would be difficult to digest in large chunks.
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